Cypriol oil, the essential oil from Cyperus scariosus R.Br., has been investigated to reveal minor nitrogen-containing molecules and minor components responsible for the odor. A total of 21 nitrogenous components are reported, of which epi-guaipyridine (32 mg/kg), guaia-9,11-dienpyridine (9 mg/kg), and cananodine (10 mg/kg) were the most abundant. A new ketone, cyperen-8-one, with a significant woody, ambery odor could also be isolated and identified along with a novel lactone, cyperolactone, and an alcohol. Rotundone was found to have the highest odor-activity value of the measured compounds and, together with the other ketones, contributes to the woody-amber character of cypriol oil.
Keywords: Cyperaceae; Cyperus scariosus; aroma; cyperen-8-one; cyperolactone; cypriol; guaia-9,11-dienpyridine; nagarmotha; volatiles.